Imo Governor, Uzodinma apologizes to NLC president, Joe Ajaero over attack

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo state has apologized to the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero over the assault meted out to him  during the NLC protest in the state.

Uzodinma describe the incident as highly unfortunate and regrettable.

Recall that Ajaero was attacked and brutalised by men suspected to be loyal to Uzodinma in connivance with operatives of the state Police command.

However, the Imo state police command has denied their involvements in the allegation, saying that it took Ajaero into protective custody after receiving intel of planned mob action against the union’s leader.

The governor, who spoke during an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today, said the attack on Ajaero is regrettable to him and the government, insisting he would never support violence.

After apologising to Ajaero, the Govenor advised him to act in a more civilized manner.

He said, “I was unaware that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) president was in my state. What I did was to condemn the action. I have never disagreed with the labour union.”

“It has nothing to do with my government. Whether Joe Ajaero is the President of NLC or not, I would not wish this to happen to any human being. Of course, I have to apologise because it happened in my state.”

“I am a Christian and believe in God. I can’t support violence. I can never support violence. Whatever happened to Joe Ajaero in my state which I am not aware of that led to him being assaulted must be regretted by both my government and myself.”

“Going forward I will also like him to do things in a more civilised manner. That was the point I was making. A man who is from my state to go on the street without clearing me out; without bringing all the allegations before me,” Uzodinma added.